Armistice Day 11/11/1918 from a Red Deer perspective in pictures and story

One hundred years ago, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month (i.e. November 11, 1918), the horrific First World War finally came to an end. It was one of the most momentous events in history.

The outbreak of the War in August 1914 had been greeted with patriotic excitement. Eager young men flocked to the Red Deer Armouries to enlist. Many felt that if they did not join up as soon as possible, they would miss the “big show” before it was over by Christmas. (Click on any image to enlarge it and open gallery).

Officers with the 12 Canadian Mounted Rifles standing at the door to the Red Deer Armoury, 1915

Men of the 12 Canadian Mounted Rifles in front of the grandstand at the Red Deer Exhibition grounds, May 1915.

Men of the 12 Canadian Mounted Rifles training at the Red Deer Exhibition grounds, 1915

Red Cross volunteers with vehicle that had been purchased for them by the local I.O.D.E., 1916. Photo

Canadians getting ready to “go over the top” in the trenches along the Western Front during the Battle of the Somme, 1916

Before long, however, the reality of modern war began to set in. The Canadians saw their first major action at St. Julien in April 1915. This great battle involved the first mass use of poison gas as a weapon on the Western Front. The Canadians won high honours for their bravery and tenacity in the horrendous conditions. Nevertheless, the casualty rate was staggering, including many from Central Alberta.

The summer and fall of 1916 brought the epic Battle of the Somme. The first day’s assault brought 57,470 casualties for the British forces (still the worst one day loss of life in the history of the British Army). When the battle finally ended in November 1916, there were more than one million casualties. Nearly 50 young men from Red Deer and area lost their lives and roughly three times that number were wounded. Tragically, the stalemate along the Front continued.

1917 brought some great victories for the Canadian Corps. The best remembered is the Battle of Vimy Ridge in April. However, that triumph came with a great cost. 12 young men from Red Deer and area lost their lives in the first day’s assault and another 16 were killed during the rest of the battle.

That victory was followed by Hill 70. While that battle once again demonstrated Canadian skill and valour, more than 40 from Central Alberta became casualties.

Passchendaele was technically a victory, but the losses of life were so horrendous and the gains so limited that it is hard to consider it as such. The Canadians suffered 16,000 casualties through an incredible sea of mud to move the line less than 9 ½ km. Sir Winston Churchill later summed up the battle as “a forlorn expenditure of valour and life without equal in futility”.

In the spring of 1918, the Germans launched a huge, and initially successful, grand offensive. However, by summer, it had faltered. The Western Front ground into another stalemate.

Red Deer’s Armouries, 1914. Photo P389

Men of the 12 Canadian Mounted Rifles leaving Red Deer for service overseas, May 1915. Photo P211

Then on August 8, 1918, the Allied High Command launched a major offensive with the Canadians as one of the key units in the great assault. The successes by the Canadian Corps at the French city of Amiens were truly impressive. A huge hole was punched through the German defences.

German morale was permanently shattered. German General Eric Ludendorff described the commencement of the Battle of Amiens as the “black day of the German Army in the history of the War”.

The great Allied victory turned out to be the first of a string of major successes, collectively known as The 100 Days. The German armies were soon rapidly falling back from their frontal positions in Northern France and Belgium. The Canadians, as some of the very best assault troops in the Allied forces, often led the push forwards.

On September 27, 1918, the Battles of Canal du Nord and Cambrai commenced. By the time that the City of Cambrai was captured in October, the Canadians had scored one of the most impressive tactical victories of the War.

Once again, the costs had been enormous. From August to October 11, 1918, more than 40,000 Canadians had either been killed or wounded (20% of the total Canadian losses of the War).

Hence, the community greeted the pending news of the end of the War with as much of a sense of relief as one of rejoicing. Nearly 120 local young men had lost their lives. A great many others suffered wounds to their bodies and their minds. The terrible toll of the war was amplified by the fact that several of the returning veterans were bringing home a new scourge, the Spanish Influenza.

In early November, the Canadians were advancing towards the Belgian city of Mons, where the fighting for the British forces had commenced in August 1914. It was a highly symbolic objective.

On November 7, the local C.P.R. employees were given a half-day holiday on the rumour that a cease-fire agreement had already been signed. On November 8, one of the local weekly newspapers printed two editions in order to keep up with the rapid succession of announcements and rumours.

On Monday, November 11 at 1:30 a.m., word was received that all hostilities would cease on all fronts at 11 a.m., London time. Just as the fighting came to an end, the Canadians captured Mons. Thus, the Great War ended where it had begun.

The local papers quickly printed a special issue with the news. Mayor G. W. Smith declared a half-day public holiday. Plans were also quickly made for a civic celebration despite the Board of Health’s injunction against any public gatherings.

At 12:30 p.m., all the bells and whistles in the city broke out in a thirty- minute peal of rejoicing. Patriotic songs were played on a special calliope that had been set up at the Western General Electric steam plant.

Crowd gathered on Red Deer City Square (now City Hall Park) to celebrate the end of the First World War, November 11, 1918 Photo

Parade on Ross Street to celebrate the end of the First World War, November 11, 1918 Photo

Red Deer Fire Fighters in the Parade on Ross Street to celebrate the end of the First World War, November 11, 1918. Note, they are wearing flu masks because of the Spanish flu epidemic that was raging at the time.

Parade on Ross Street, in front of the Red Deer City Hall, to celebrate the end of the First World War, November 11, 1918

Parade on Ross Street to celebrate the end of the First World War, November 11, 1918 Photo 6071 (note, someone wrote on the wrong side of the negative, hence the label appears backwards)

A crowd of returned veterans, local dignitaries and ordinary citizens paraded through the streets with the Red Deer Community Band and the local Fire Brigade taking the lead. The throngs then gathered in what is now City Hall Park for a ceremony of celebration and thanksgiving.

There were numerous speeches and choruses of songs. Helen Moore Dawe and Ruth Locke led the crowd in the singing. A gramophone was used to broadcast a special address by Sir Thomas White, the federal Minister of Finance. Mayor G.W. Smith asserted in his speech that this was “the most important day in history since the death of Jesus Christ”.

In the evening, there was a huge bonfire on the City Square accompanied by the shooting of fireworks. City Council also treated a large number of veterans to a special civic banquet.

Tragically, the joys over the end of the War were quickly dampened by a renewed outbreak of the flu caused by the large public gatherings. By the time that the great pandemic abated towards the end of the year, the flu claimed 54 lives locally.

Nevertheless, people fervently prayed that they had just witnessed the end of “The War to End All Wars”.

Springbrook to construct impressive skateboard park

From the Springbrook Community Skate Park Committee

Springbrook Community Skate park Committee receives $125,000 CFEP grant from Government of Alberta

Group is nearly 75% funded for the $635,000 Skate Park Facility

Springbrook Skatepark

Springbrook Skatepark

Springbrook Skatepark

Springbrook Skatepark

Location

Springbrook, a young, family oriented community located 8 km south of Red Deer, will benefit greatly from this grant. The $125,000 CFEP (Community Facility Enhancement Program) grant will bring the total funds raised for the project to approx. $455,000 of the $635,000 project total. Red Deer County ($305,000) and community fundraising efforts ($25,000 to date) have contributed to the total.

Adrian Pidhirney, Committee Director, Springbrook Community Skatepark Committee and FCSS Community Worker commented, “This is a great opportunity for our small hamlet. With nearly 1/3 of our population of 1500 under the age of 20, this park will have major impact now and well into the future. We are hoping to begin construction late this summer, with a completion date of Spring 2020.”

The remaining $180,000 will be raised through local fundraising efforts and through corporate sponsorship opportunities. Local businesses are encouraged to contact the Springbrook Community Skate park Committee regarding sponsorship opportunities. Please visit www.sc-sc.org or www.facebook.com/SpringbrookCommunitySkateparkCommittee for more information.

Time is Muscle Fundraiser for Cardiac Cath Lab Saturday

In February of 2018 a group of volunteers, in conjunction with the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation hosted a Community Cardiac Awareness and Fundraising event called “Time is Muscle”

Since the event rapidly sold-out, we are eager to forge ahead in 2019 with a larger venue at the sponsoring Sheraton Red Deer Hotel. “Time is Muscle” 2019 is a heart-themed 3 course plated dinner, a “Heartbeats Band: Songs from the Heart” Retro Rock & Roll Party, silent auction, live painting, art gallery & sale, 50/50 & vacation raffles and a fun photo corner. Guests are encouraged to wear red in solidarity for the cause!

The purpose of the event once again is to raise funds to enhance cardiac care at the Red Deer Regional Hospital with an emphasis on the acquisition of a cardiac catheterization lab, to raise public awareness of cardiac (heart) health and the need for hospital expansion.

Currently, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Canada. Cardiac catheterization is a specialized procedure to unblock coronary arteries that feed the heart (also known as an angioplasty) in the event of a heart attack.

Corporate and personal donations are sincerely appreciated including cash, products or services and will be issued a tax receipt and optional recognition. Business names will be presented alongside silent auction items at the event. You can also provide your own framed logo. See publications below.

Sincerely yours, the Time is Muscle Team (Directors Vanessa Higgins-Nogareda & Harley Hay)

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Red Deer Public Schools offers fantastic Kindergarten programming to help ensure that kids have a great start to the next 13 years of school and to make sure kids come

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Red Deer Public Schools offers fantastic Kindergarten programming to help ensure that kids have a great start to the next 13 years of school and to make sure kids come to school ready to learn.

Kindergarten also marks a big decision for parents, and some parents may experience mixed emotions, but in Red Deer Public Schools, Kindergarten is a happy and safe environment where children can thrive.

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RED DEER – Ignition Theatre is proud to present Pulitzer prize finalist Rajiv Joseph’s Gruesome Playground Injuries– celebrating the ten year anniversary of the provocative and controversial love story that

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RED DEER – Ignition Theatre is proud to present Pulitzer prize finalist Rajiv Joseph’s Gruesome Playground Injuries– celebrating the ten year anniversary of the provocative and controversial love story that has taken the theatre world by storm since its premiere in 2009. Performances begin January 17th and run through January 26th at the Red Deer Memorial Centre, Nickel Studio (Third Floor).
Over the course of 30 years, the lives of Kayleen and Doug intersect at the most bizarre intervals, leading the two childhood friends to compare scars and the psychological calamities that keep drawing them together. “Gruesome…marks Ignition’s return to the provocative and edgy brand of theatre from which our reputation in the community was first formed.

"Gruesome…is an incredibly beautiful and complex examination of mental illness; an examination of pain, both physical and psychological, and our need to inflict pain upon others and ourselves as a means of survival. It’s a love story that desperately struggles to navigate and accept what love truly means. It’s a play full of questions, catharsis, and believe it or not, a deeply dark sense of humour.” – Matt Grue, Director, Gruesome Playground Injuries

Gruesome Playground Injuries is presented with a discretionary warning for coarse language, graphic imagery, sexuality and mature themes that may trigger those suffering from mental illness.
Curtain is 7:30PM nightly. Tickets are $20.00 / $25.00 (Friday and Saturday Performances) Tickets available online and at the box office 30 minutes prior to curtain.

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Become an expert over lunch at this introductory class designed for managers, product managers, founders, and decision-makers.

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Become an expert over lunch at this introductory class designed for managers, product managers, founders, and decision-makers.

This course explains high-level concepts in simple ways, so you feel empowered to make technological decisions. You’ll emerge from this course with first-hand appreciation of how it all works and all the more confident in the factors that should guide your decision-making.

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At this workshop parents, caregivers, and professionals will learn about the psychological and physiological roots of anxiety, why it is on the rise in our children, and what to do

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At this workshop parents, caregivers, and professionals will learn about the psychological and physiological roots of anxiety, why it is on the rise in our children, and what to do to help children better manage it.
Join Tammy Schamuhn, Registered Psychologist and Co-Founder of the Institute of Child Psychology, as you explore the research and theory in the field of mental health and interpersonal neurobiology. Attendees will be given resources and direct tools to help their child, or the children they work with, overcome this emotional obstacle.

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Burns Night traditionally commemorates the life of the bard (poet) Robert Burns. Get in touch with

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Robbie Burns Night traditionally commemorates the life of the bard (poet) Robert Burns. Get in touch with your inner Celt by celebrating Scotland's Bard of Ayrshire and leave with our music in your heart. Featuring violinist Kai Gleusteen.

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Jann Arden will be the featured speaker when The Lending Cupboard hosts its first annual Winter Luncheon on January 28th at Red Deer’s Sheraton Hotel.
The Lending Cupboard serves more than 10,000

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Jann Arden will be the featured speaker when The Lending Cupboard hosts its first annual Winter Luncheon on January 28th at Red Deer’s Sheraton Hotel.

The Lending Cupboard serves more than 10,000 clients each year, many of whom are aging. The “Winter Luncheon” is a new initiative designed to bring education and awareness to the many issues members of community face, in this case, Alzheimer’s.

Jann Arden knows all about Alzheimer’s. Here’s a link to a blogpost Arden penned earlier this year called Being With Mom, about her journey dealing with her mom’s disease. It sets the tone for what she’ll speak to when she’s here in January. Being with Mom is a deeply personal and heartfelt story written in a voice that’s clearly Arden’s.

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This long-time (often copied, never duplicated) networking event offers an unique opportunity for Red Deer & Area's business community to meet in a congenial, relaxed social atmosphere and:
Develop new business

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This long-time (often copied, never duplicated) networking event offers an unique opportunity for Red Deer & Area's business community to meet in a congenial, relaxed social atmosphere and:
Develop new business contacts, Exchange ideas, Identify new sources of supply, Learn about other members’ products/ services, Meet potential customers, friends and business associates, Take a tour of the host business and hear their story.
Free Admission, No Registration Required

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With High Valley
Special Guest Jess Moskaluke
Featuring Hunter Brothers
Paul Brandt is the most awarded male Canadian country artist in history. His 1996 debut RIAA certified Gold album Calm Before

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With High Valley
Special Guest Jess Moskaluke
Featuring Hunter Brothers

Paul Brandt is the most awarded male Canadian country artist in history. His 1996 debut RIAA certified Gold album Calm Before the Storm went on to sell one million albums internationally, propelled by the #1 single and wedding classic “I Do”. Stateside, his #5 and #1 charting songs “My Heart Has A History”, and “I Do” were the first to chart by a male Canadian Country artist on the US Billboard Top 20 since 1976.

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Become an expert over lunch at this introductory class designed for managers, product managers, founders, and decision-makers.

more

Event Details

Become an expert over lunch at this introductory class designed for managers, product managers, founders, and decision-makers.

This course explains high-level concepts in simple ways, so you feel empowered to make technological decisions. You’ll emerge from this course with first-hand appreciation of how it all works and all the more confident in the factors that should guide your decision-making.